Hosts Global announced its expansion into the Lone Star State with the opening of Hosts Texas, a full-service Destination Management Company (DMC) dedicated to producing group programs, including conventions, meetings, incentive programs and special events in Austin and San Antonio.

The opening of the Austin and San Antonio locations comes on the heels of recent DMC departures from these fast-growing markets.

“Hosts Global has a reputation of keeping a pulse on the industry, listening to our customers and expanding into regions where our clients need us,” said Marty MacKay, DMCP, president of Hosts’ global alliance of DMCs. “We’re exhilarated that our newest offices will allow clients to seamlessly craft thrilling experiences in two of Texas’ most charismatic cities.”

Michelle Crosby, CMP, DMCP and current president-elect of ADMEI will serve as general manager of the new Hosts Texas DMC and will continue to oversee its growth. Crosby previously served as director of global sales for Hosts Global and has more than 20 years of experience working in hotels and destination management.

“Hosts Texas is primed to activate amazing destination experiences showcasing all these remarkable cities have to offer,” said Crosby. “We’re here to help our customers with innovative group experiences that leverage Austin’s vivacious culture and San Antonio’s colourful history, with plenty of delicious flavours in between!”

“This continues to be a thrilling time and one of the most successful years for us,” said Jennifer Patino, DMCP, chief executive officer of Hosts Global. “This heralds Hosts’ newest chapter in delivering high-touch service, local expertise and boundless creativity to today’s planners.”

Whether you are creating an itinerary that focuses on one destination in Texas or planning a multi-city experience, Hosts Global has you completely covered across this southern state, with Experience Houston in Houston (Eastern Texas), Ultimate Ventures in Dallas/Fort Worth (Northern Texas) and Hosts Texas servicing Austin and San Antonio (Central and Southern Texas).

To learn more about Hosts Texas or for information regarding DMC services for meetings, conventions, incentive programs and special events across USA, Canada and the Caribbean with Hosts Global, please contact us.

This year, the theme of the St. Patrick's Day Festival was Storytellers which couldn't be better suited. A nation of storytellers, Moloney & Kelly list some of their favourites and how they can be incorporated into your incentive program in Ireland as well as some updates!

Their Favourite Storytellers

In Irish folklore, a seanchaí was revered all over the country - they were storytellers, the keepers of Irish history who would entertain with folklore, myths and legends. They have never lost the "gift of the gab" and some of their favorite Irish people over the years are adept at spinning a yarn. From James Joyce to Bono, Saoirse Ronan to Oscar Wilde - they just have a way with words! They love to bring characters into incentive groups to make them more memorable - whether it's a storyteller by the fireside nursing a whiskey or an exclusive chance to meet one of the only remaining Guinness family members, stories and storytellers are what weave a successful incentive program together. Contact us to see how Moloney & Kelly can make storytelling key in your incentive.

Grand Central Hotel - Belfast

Moloney & Kelly were absolutely thrilled to be able to host the very first guests that crossed the threshold into the long awaited Grand Central Hotel in Belfast's city centre. Standing at 23 stories, it is the tallest commercial building on the island of Ireland and cocktails on the top floor Observatory offer a stunning view over City Hall, the Titanic Quarter into the mountains and over all of Belfast. Part of the Hastings Hotel group, the 300 bedroom hotel was a welcome addition to the area that is now going to be known as the Linen Quarter with bustling restaurants and bars - an ideal incentive location!

Taking leaps and bounds to cement its position as a ‘must attend’ annual event in the diary of incentive planners and travel designers alike, DMS Connect efficaciously was held in Auckland, Sydney and Melbourne late February. The roadshow featured DMS’ phenomenal DMC network and a select group of industry partners, in arguably the market’s top B2B lead generation platform.

Event professionals were empowered by information with several lucky enough to go home with the opportunity to pack their bags and experience destinations first hand. Across the three cities, DMS Connect was proudly sponsored by Air New Zealand, LATAM Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Etihad.

Marissa Fernandez, managing director, DMS Destination Marketing Services stated “We were overwhelmed by the response we had from the market, with a record number of clients attending Connect over the 3 cities. Attendees spent quality time discussing serious business opportunities with our exhibitors. We are proud of how the show has evolved as we recognise the need to remain reactive to an ever-changing market, so we continue to intensify the educational element at the event”.

Connect held true to its ethos of staying relevant and ‘on trend’, with destinations such as Morocco via Activ’ Travel Partners, Argentina via Passion for Events, Mexico via Tropical Incentives DMC, French Riviera via Visit Monaco and Myanmar via Pacific World in attendance.

A Melbourne attendee commented; “DMS Connect was fantastic. I love the relaxed vibe and great selection of exhibitors. I had more to chat about than I initially thought I would as my interactions opened by mind to the world of possibilities!’’

Connect provided a voice for driving membership for SITE ANZ; once formed, the chapter will be a platform for local incentive practitioners to collaborate and raise awareness of the human and economic impact incentive travel has to offer global economies.

2020 will mark its longevity with DMS Connect’s 20th anniversary! The events are earmarked to be held in February 2020.

The ethos of the market’s long-standing showcase, DMS Connect was founded on delivering educational experiences at both a face to face and immersive destination level. 2019 is no different as Connect will have an abundance of jaw-dropping prizes up for grabs across the shows late February. This year Connects prestigious line-up of sponsors include LATAM Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Etihad.

The shows open their doors first in Auckland on Monday 25th, then Melbourne on Tuesday 26th and wraps up with Sydney on Thursday 28th. Attendees will be in the running to be whisked away to Brazil, Argentina, Hawaii, Morocco, Fiji, Bali and Hong Kong.

DMS’ vanguard approach towards both the incentive and speciality travel realms sees their flagship events showcase their growing portfolio of established and reputable DMCs, together with reliable industry partners to provide a holistic approach to destination consulting. Across the various cities, Connect is focused on attendee experience, collaborating with leading airline, NTOs and hotels. The exhibitor line-up includes the likes of, Air Tahiti Nui, Hawaiian Airlines, Korea Tourism Organisation, Millennium Hotel and Resorts, Monaco Government Tourist Bureau, Park Hyatt Auckland, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and South African Tourism to name a few.

The format continues to thrive and deliver a collaborative approach towards destination marketing. Connect is by invite only and targets incentive, conference and high-end leisure agents. To attend, please contact Thea Mendes on thea@destinationmarketing.com.au or call DMS on +61 2 9368 1811.

Located in a picturesque corner of Moscow region, “Izumrudny Les” (Emerald Forest) is an elegant eco hotel offering numerous outdoor experiences, add is a perfect setting for an unforgettable escape. This property is home to 6 cottages and 22 hotel rooms, sheltered by 220 hectares of stunning forest surroundings. Izumrudny Les has 7 multifunctional meeting rooms for banquets and conferences with event capacity ranging from 10 to 200 guests.

La Villa Plyos is a luxury wellness resort, located on Volga river amid the beautiful Plyos forests and river shores, away from the city noise. La Villa Plyos goal is to provide guests a combination of physical exercise, balanced nutrition, indulgent spa treatments and art programmes in the atmosphere of absolute luxury and comfort.

La Villa Plyos takes an individual approach to each guest’s wellbeing, high-quality service, comfortable stay, own natural water source, a farm with seasonal vegetables and fruits, and, most importantly, highly competent experts will help you get away from everyday routine and benefit from staying at La Villa Plyos to the maximum.

* A stay in Villa Plyos and visit of Plyos may be added as a part of Golden Ring tour.

Bolotov Dacha is a country hotel located in the Tula region, one and a half hours from Moscow. This property is named after Andrey Bolotov – one of the most distinguished agriculturist of the 18th-century Russian Empire. It is a large Russian countryside residence offering fresh air, delicious food and numerous spaces for inspiration. Each room on the property is named after one of the plants that Andrei Timofeevich Bolotov grew in his famous garden.

Award-winning farm-to-table restaurant "Mark & Lev" is located in the scenic countryside of Tula Oblast, 120 km from Moscow. "Mark & Lev" only use locally sourced produce from small and mid-sized farms within a 150 km range. All the suppliers are both neighbours and friends since they live and work close by.

Chef Mikhail Lukashonok creates a new language for regional Russian cuisine by combining contemporary techniques with recipes and flavours deeply rooted in Russia's culinary tradition. The team devotes special attention to using heritage and half-forgotten varieties of vegetables and herbs.

*A visit and stay in Bolotov Dacha and Mark & Lev restaurant may be arranged as a part of a two day trip to Tyla and Yasnaya Polyana (Lev Tolstoy Estate)

For further information on the above or for a tailored proposal to Russia please contact us.

Hosts Global (Hosts) announced the opening of Hosts Seattle, a full-service Destination Management Company (DMC) established to produce group programs including meetings, conventions, incentive programs and special events in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest. The opening of this new Seattle business was driven by Hosts’ determination to deliver more strategic value to existing clients and based on high customer demand for Hosts’ services within the destination.

“This is a very exciting time for our company,” said Joshua Jones, DMCP, regional president of Hosts Las Vegas, Hosts Southern California and Hosts Seattle. “We’re thrilled to expand into a bustling destination that is recognised as a top choice for travel to deliver unforgettable group experiences within the city and surrounding area.” Jones and director of sales Laura Wilkens will lead the grand opening and continued growth of Hosts Seattle. The two bring a combined 40+ years of experience in the hospitality industry to the newly established operation and look forward to partnering with Seattle’s destination marketing leaders and hospitality colleagues to grow industry collaboration and new business opportunities.

Hosts Seattle is now the seventh office location opened and operated by Hosts Global, a strategic partner for meeting and event planners worldwide. Hosts’ high services standards and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences drives customer demand. “

For more information or to request a tailored proposal please contact us.

Transcending the test of time and pushing the destination education sphere into new heights, DMS Connect returns in February 2019. Established, engaging and well connected the shows held in Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney will be the highlight of any outbound program designer’s diary.

DMS Connect is known for its collaborative approach and welcomes exclusively its global destination management company partners, along with trusted airline, tourism marketing and accommodation industry colleagues to provide the market with integrated and informative sessions. Attending Connect provides a platform for planners to meet with the likes of Pacific World Asia, Spectra and Dragonfly Africa and who have been a part of DMS’ thriving portfolio for almost 3 decades.

February will mark the shows 19th consecutive year, cementing its experience and longevity while signifying its responsiveness to change as it continues to sprout into new dimensions. An attendee from the 2018 edition commented:

‘’We are always trying to find something different to offer our clients as we are fast becoming a well-travelled country. Our clients want unique and different experiences; they want bragging rights and so do we! Now that I have attended Connect, I can’t wait to talk to my clients about the new destinations and suppliers I have met – I feel like I have opened a door to a whole new world!”

The market’s pioneers in DMC representation and destination consulting are elated to bring their network to you in February. The shows commence in Auckland on Monday 25 at The Maritime Room, Melbourne on Tuesday 26 at Aerial and Sydney on Thursday 28 February at Dockside, Cockle Bay Wharf. Connect is by invite only. If you are interested in attending, please contact Thea Mendes on thea@destinationmarketing.com.au or call DMS on +61 2 9368 1811.